The compact car “Lada Kalina” hatchback is presented by a domestic automobile concern in a new look while maintaining all the advantages characteristic of its predecessor.
Updated version: what's interesting?
The new hatchback "Lada Kalina" is an improved version of the well-known model of "Grant". Many elements were taken from the predecessor, but the quality of the materials used, the sound insulation, and the range of engines were expanded. The Kalina 2 hatchback borrowed the Jatco transmission, which had previously been installed on the Grant, seats and almost completely the interior.
The model is equipped with a new multimedia system with USB connectors and for SD-cards, however, a CD player is not provided. The system is controlled using the buttons located on the center console and the touch screen. The radio can function as a standard navigator. Despite the quite decent functionality, the system has not been finalized, and on some versions of the hatchback, the Kalina 2 may not work, which was clear even on the pre-production test drives of the car.
Exterior
The hatchback "Lada Kalina 2" has changed significantly in appearance: raised in front of the body, a raised bumper and wheel arches made it more recognizable and dynamic. The original design and aggressive forms of the new version of the car attract attention.
Interior
The geometry of the Lada Kalina 2 hatchback interior has remained unchanged: the driver and front passenger of any complex will be comfortable in the seat thanks to a wide range of settings. The free space above the head and under the legs is designed with a small margin. Despite the fact that the novelty does not have serious assembly defects, car owners note small design flaws, for example, the flimsy connection of the power window control unit. When the button is pulled sharply, the unit is often removed from the slot.
The interior is finished only with hard plastic. Squeaks have significantly decreased due to the reduction of additional lining elements on the doors and front panel. The button for opening the luggage compartment is not very well located, which is noticeable in some photos of the Kalina hatchback: it is located under the light control unit. The downside is that to open the tailgate you have to click on it several times.
Soundproofing
The sound insulation level in the previous version of the Lada Kalina 2 hatchback left much to be desired: all the sounds from outside were heard in the cabin, mainly due to the fact that the car's design did not imply a wing liner. Despite the fact that in the new versions of the car there are no extraneous sounds, squeaks are still occasionally heard in the cabin. However, it is worth paying tribute to the engineers of the domestic auto concern: the sound insulation has really become several times better, mainly due to the use of an innovative floor covering with improved noise insulation.
In the hatchback, the luggage compartment is 260 liters. Opening the trunk lid in the top version of the Kalina hatchback is done using the key on the key.
Specifications
The domestic automaker pleasantly pleased motorists, abandoning the mechanical transmission previously installed on the VAZ-2110 and not differing in reliability and quality of work. The Kalina hatchback is equipped with a new gearbox with a modified range switching scheme. For example, it is now impossible to mistakenly engage sixth gear because of a special lock.
A cup holder is installed in front of the gearbox, which is not the most ergonomic solution: bottles or glasses installed in it interfere with the driver when shifting gears.
The new transmission provides easy and smooth gear changes, the lever travel and the absence of vibrations are reduced, which cannot but please the driver. Complete with a manual gearbox, not the most dynamic engines are installed, the characteristics of which leave much to be desired, however, they are more than enough for a confident ride.
The Kalina hatchback is equipped with 1.6 liter power units and 87 and 106 horsepower, respectively. The eight-valve engine was provided by Federal Modul, while the second, sixteen-valve, was previously installed on the “Lada Grant” and had a capacity of 98 horsepower, but was upgraded specifically for the “Kalina”.
The second power unit from the line leaves a very mixed impression. The thing is that it has practically no effect on the dynamics of the Kalina hatchback, but at the same time the increased amount of horsepower provokes an increase in the transport tax. In addition, its advantages in comparison with an engine with 98 horsepower can be understood only by those motorists who operated a car with a second engine. However, judging by the reviews, the 106-horsepower Kalina hatchback engine picks up low revs better, but this is almost not felt. The optimal and most dynamic combination is an automatic transmission and an engine with a capacity of 98 horsepower.
Versions of the Lada Kalina car with automatic transmission were initially produced in small quantities, but over time their share in mass production increased to 20%. The transmission lock mode allows you to configure the gearbox so that it does not switch above a certain gear. The working life of a Jatco automatic box is ten years.
Control
Engineers of the domestic automobile concern had to make a lot of efforts to eliminate the problems of the previous version - insufficient steering wheel information, almost zero dynamics and poor maneuverability. The steering rack of the Lada Kalina car was shortened, an electric power steering was added and the rigidity of the whole structure changed. The reviews indicate that the handling of the car as a result has become much better. The version with automatic transmission and shock absorbers of increased stiffness is characterized by improved management.
"Lada Kalina" is equipped with the same suspension as the "Grant", but the stiffness of the springs was increased, the angles of the wheels and the thickness of the stabilizers were changed. As a result, the car is characterized by good control both on a straight and on a winding track.
Photos of the Kalina hatchback convey the original body design, which, coupled with good technical specifications, guarantees the car considerable popularity with domestic motorists.